People from the Obegu Awkunanaw community led protests against police harassment and arrests of their young men. Traditional ruler Igwe Mich Nnukwu blamed Private Estate International West Africa Limited for causing their troubles. The company used drones to survey the community land and claimed ownership of the entire area and its palace. Community members can no longer farm their fields because of constant intimidation from outside forces. Over five hundred local youth joined President General Mich Ognonna for peaceful demonstrations around their neighborhood.
Lagos police arrested one community member and flew him on a chartered flight for questioning about land disputes. The arrested man collapsed from assault and health problems during the trip to Lagos. Officers rushed him to the airport medical facilities and police hospitals before doctors could help him recover. Criminal Investigation Department officers from Lagos have been tracking down village leaders for arrest. Community members hid for more than one week as police searched for people they considered troublemakers.
Traditional prime minister Chief Andey Egbo questioned why the estate company abandoned court cases for intimidation tactics. He asked the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission to protect his people from harassment. Private Estate International West Africa Limited's chief executive, Kinsley Eze, refused to discuss the situation with reporters. He directed journalists to contact the land ministry and the governor's office for answers about the dispute. Police officials have not responded to requests for comments about the community complaints.
Lagos police arrested one community member and flew him on a chartered flight for questioning about land disputes. The arrested man collapsed from assault and health problems during the trip to Lagos. Officers rushed him to the airport medical facilities and police hospitals before doctors could help him recover. Criminal Investigation Department officers from Lagos have been tracking down village leaders for arrest. Community members hid for more than one week as police searched for people they considered troublemakers.
Traditional prime minister Chief Andey Egbo questioned why the estate company abandoned court cases for intimidation tactics. He asked the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission to protect his people from harassment. Private Estate International West Africa Limited's chief executive, Kinsley Eze, refused to discuss the situation with reporters. He directed journalists to contact the land ministry and the governor's office for answers about the dispute. Police officials have not responded to requests for comments about the community complaints.
